District and School Assistance Grant Appendix F
Central DSAC Regional Projects 2015-16
Regional Project Descriptions
Two regional DSAC grant priorities have been identified for the Central DSAC region:
(1) Substitute Teacher Funding for Participation in DSAC Activities
(2) Action Based Project
Funds for Regional Priority activities are in addition to the district’s DSAC Grant allotment.
Priority 1: Substitute Teacher Funding for Participation in DSAC Activities: There is a need
for sharing of professional practice among educators in Level 3 and 4 schools. Learning
walkthroughs, professional learning communities and other similar activities will provide
educators with opportunities for common planning, looking at data, and observation around
identified focus areas.
a. Objective: The Central DSAC conducts trainings and collaborates with districts to
facilitate learning walkthroughs, professional learning communities and similar
activities. Funding substitute teachers for participants in these activities will enable
increased participation and engagement.
b. Outcomes: Participants will share professional practices and collaborate around
issues of school improvement.
c. Participants: Educators in or providing direct support to Level 3 and 4 schools.
Funding: Funding for Honorariums and resources available – see below.
Priority 2: Action Based Project: There is a need for principals and educational leaders in Level
3 and 4 districts to learn about and share effective leadership practices and to explore pertinent
research. Based on state and national research, including ESE’s 2014 Turnaround Practices in
Action, the Central DSAC will support a network designed to bring together leaders of Level 3 and
4 schools through network meetings. In face-to-face sessions with additional follow up, principals
and educational leaders will have the opportunity to design a mini action research project
targeted to improve student learning. Participation requires sharing project outcomes at network
sessions as well as the design, implementation and evaluation of an action research project.
a. Objective: To provide support and professional development for educational leaders
in Level 3 and 4 districts, including opportunity for action research related to school
improvement efforts.
b. Outcomes: Participants will have access to high quality professional development
and networking opportunities to address areas of common concern. Each participant
will conduct an action research project targeted to the needs of their school.
c. Participants: Participation is open to educational leaders of Level 3 and 4 schools.
Other school and district leaders may be considered in consultation with the Central
DSAC Regional Assistance Director.
Funding: Funding for Honorariums and resources available – see below.
District and School Assistance Grant Appendix F: Central DSAC Regional Priorities ~ Page 1 of 3
Funding for Central DSAC Regional Priority Honorariums and Resources:
A total of $25,000 is available for both Central DSAC Regional Priority projects. The
amount of funding awarded to each district will depend upon the number of districts
requesting funding. Funds can be used for:
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Stipends for participants working outside of contracted hours
Substitute teachers to allow participants to attend project activities
Travel to attend meetings and participate in project activities
Participating school principals to support action research projects (Priority 2)
Other expenses immediately related to regional priority projects as approved by
the Central DSAC Regional Assistance Director
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR REGIONAL FUNDS
GENERAL GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTIONS
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All Level 3 and Level 4 districts that are served by the Central DSAC are eligible to
participate in these priorities and opportunities.
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District participation in regional priority projects is optional.
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Eligible districts may apply to participate in one or more priority projects.
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A single district, acting as lead agency for a partnership of districts, will apply for funds
on behalf of the partnership for Priority 2. If your district is acting as lead agency for this
project, please see the instructions below for specific guidance on applying for these
funds.
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Districts may submit a single grant application that includes both their base district DSAC
grant allotment and funds for the Central DSAC Regional Priorities. Additional
instructions on preparing the narrative and budget workbook for each priority area are
detailed below.
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Districts may also choose to submit partial applications. That way a district or partnership
has the flexibility to get school year activities funded immediately and make decisions
about how any remaining funds will be used at a later date. Districts exercising this option
will subsequently amend the appropriate budget workbook(s) and need to do so by the
DSAC grant deadline of March 16, 2016.
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The actual amount of funding awarded for each priority project will depend upon the
number of districts and partnerships submitting applications that meet the criteria for
funding.
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If you have questions about completing the application materials, please e-mail or call
Abigail Slayton, the Regional System of Support Program Specialist, for assistance
(aslayton@doe.mass.edu; 781-338-3517).
Districts may not repurpose unused Regional Priority fund allotments funds for other uses
(i.e., they cannot be directed to other district projects via a DSAC Grant Amendment).
District and School Assistance Grant Appendix F: Central DSAC Regional Priorities ~ Page 2 of 3
REGIONAL PRIORITIES: APPLYING FOR INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT PARTICIPATION FUNDS
Individual districts may apply for funds related to participation in these opportunities.
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Proposed budget expenditures for Regional Priorities may be incorporated into the same
220-E budget workbook you are using for your district’s DSAC grant allotment.
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Complete the Regional Priorities worksheet in the 220-E School Year workbook:
o Select DSAC Activities: Substitute Teachers and/or Action Based Project.
o Provide details on proposed expenditures in the Budget Summary worksheet.
 Wherever possible, use the designated spaces for Regional Priorities
categories within the line items in the budget worksheet
District and School Assistance Grant Appendix F: Central DSAC Regional Priorities ~ Page 3 of 3